Armored Core 4 Decoction Model Aaliyah Supplice

 A new product for Armored Core series by Kotobukiya but appears to be rather peculiar choice as a high end collectible out of nowhere. I wonder whether it is some kind anniversary for Armored Core 4 or a prelude for the future port but Kotobukiya is releasing a Luxury Diecast Toy for AC4 Posterboy, Aaliyah Supplice in the new lineup of Decoction Model. Decoction Model Aaliyah Supplice is sold for whopping 48000 Yen and set for April 2023 release.

 I wonder if Kotobukiya is trying to emulate Bandai's success on their Metal Build/Metal Structure series but this is rather weird way to get into a new lineup. Armored Core is an amazing Mecha series and remains as one of my personal favorite Mecha Action game to this day but without any foreshadowing whatsoever, Kotobukiya decided to dump a 30 Cm diecast Toy for a Mecha series that has been inactive for more than a decade. From the gist of it, the Articulation will also be subpar due to Koto lack of expertise on the Diecast Toys and I just hope they won't crash and burn badly with this surprise move. Personally I would have consider to get one if the product is around 30k Yen Price range even if it is just as big as the model kit which I wouldn't mind getting Noblesse Oblige and White Glint either if Koto decided to make more affordable version.

Brave Express Mightgaine Super Minipla Hiryu

 

 Bandai is quite generous for Mightgaine surprisingly, after SMP Mightgaine announced on June this year, Maito Guy's rival Yuusha Hiryu made it to the minipla as well. SMP Hiryu will be scheduled for March 2023 release with 7500 Yen Price tag.

 Hiryu is a Yuusha Unit who made appearance relatively early in Mightgaine. Acting as maverick character in the series, the rival character had somewhat unnatural obsession toward Maito Guy and proved to be a dangerous adversary as he managed to kill one of Maito Guy's ally once which i think it was the bombers. The Super minipla comes with superb transformation scheme and even complete with the sports car that is used as the core unit for Hiryu. I think Mightgaine could use Might Kaiser or Goryu to complete Mightgaine SMP series at least and Bandai will probably move on to J-Decker once they are finished with Mightgaine.

Macross Delta Tiny Session VF-31J Siegfried

 

 Ever since the Macross Frontier one was up, Tiny Session make sure that Macross Delta to follow up in quick succession! For October pre-order 2 of the Macross Delta featuring VF-31 Siegfried for Hayate and Messer which include 2 of the Walkure members. Scheduled for March 2023 Release, Tiny Session VF-31 will be sold for 4500 Yen.

 While i do like VF-31 as mecha design, Macross Delta itself doesn't leave me any particular memorable impression due to being a wasted potential which is comparable to overcooking a good pie just because the chef wants to put new ingredients halfway of the baking process. Out of 5 Macross Delta Tiny Sessions, i might considering getting the one with Mikumo or Farina's VF-31 but it is very unlikely for me to collect the complete set. I do wish Macross Plus or Seven will be given Tiny Session by Bandai to spread the bite-sized Joy for the collector.

Sousou no Frieren

 

 Another really good Fantasy manga so good that i binged it in a single day. Sousou no Frieren tells the story of an Elf Mage who once party member of Legendary Hero party who defeated the Demon King. The reclusive Elf Heroine decided to travel the world once again after Hero's death who had played a large influence to her before and along the travel she met new companions as well as finding out the legacies that her previous comrades brought to the world and at the same time dealing with new threats by the Demon race.

 In terms of story structure, Sousou no Frieren had similarities with Kino no Tabi or Majo no tabitabi but this one is packed with more actions as the main heroine doesn't lose her combat talents even after decaded had passed since she defeated the Demon King. It is a wonder to be able to keep a good story manga on weekly basis and a fantasy genre at that and Sousou no Frieren able to pull it off.  I would say the manga could last for another 2-3 years easily and i only hope it won't crash and burn like Promised Neverland.

Macross Plus 1/100 HG YF-19

 

 Ever since Macross got free out of the Robotech bullcrap last year, Bandai had been quite generous on the series and out of pleasant surprise, Macross Plus made it early as Bandai's Model kit lineup this time being 1/100 HG Model Kit. HG YF-19 is scheduled for January 2023 release with 3800 Yen price tag.

Unlike the VF-1 Model Kit, HG YF-19 does not come with complete transformation gimmick in order to maintain good articulation and competitive price range. In effect YF-19 model kit mirrors after Macross 7 1/100 VF-19 model kits and improved vastly upon it which was really good stuff for 1800 Yen back then. Time will know if Bandai will release HG 1/100 YF-21 considering it will take more effort on designing one due to no existing mold to work with, but it would be a chance not to be missed with.